Principal Health Planner

HDR; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architecture firm is seeking an experienced professional in health architecture to lead project teams in Chicago. The role involves client engagement, strategic planning, and oversight of complex health facility design projects. An ideal candidate should have a Master's degree in Architecture, over 20 years of experience, and must be a Registered Architect. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential, along with a commitment to the firm's inclusive culture and values. This full-time position requires flexibility for travel and strong collaboration with various stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 20 years' experience in health architecture and planning.
• Registered Architect with project management expertise.
• Ability to lead large-scale health facility projects.
• Understanding of life safety codes and health standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams for health facility planning and design.
• Meet with clients and analyze their needs.
• Prepare presentation drawings and models.
• Coordinate with engineering disciplines throughout the design process.

Skills

Health architecture planning

Strong team leadership

Excellent written and verbal communication

Project management

Client engagement

Education

Master's degree in Architecture

Bachelor's degree in Architecture

Tools

AutoCAD

REVIT

Microsoft Office

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

This individual is responsible for project team leadership for the pursuit and delivery of Health projects with a primary focus on facility and departmental planning of health and research facilities, as well as the aesthetic solution and overall design for projects that are large and/or complex in nature. This individual must be familiar with current trends in healthcare delivery, the impact of new concepts of patient and staff flow as it relates to healthcare planning and the impact of newly emerging technology in clinical equipment and communications in hospitals. Will be expected to meet directly with the client, analyze the client’s needs and conceive/develop architectural solutions commensurate with those needs. Will also initiate schematic designs/plans with responsibility for the preparation of presentation drawings, models and narratives. Additionally, they will provide for the coordination of all disciplines related to the building design and healthcare planning and represent the firm by participating as a key member of the business development team in presentations to prospective clients. Finally, they will also provide guidance to other designers and work with the various engineering disciplines throughout the schematic and design development phases to ensure that the solution accommodates the architectural, engineering and client’s needs and objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

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• Master's degree in Architecture
• 20 years' experience in health architecture and planning
• Extensive knowledge and experience of health architecture planning and design
• Deeply understands health facility operations, life safety codes, MEP & structural implications/requirements, and health standards (FGI, JACHO, etc.)
• Obtained advanced credentials such as ACHA, EDAC, LEED, Lean Six Sigma
• Strong computer skills (AutoCAD, REVIT, Rhino, Blue Beam).
• Participates in relevant community activities to promote firm’s vision and values

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture
• 15 years related experience
• A minimum 7 years project management experience
• Registered Architect
• Must have experience on large-scale projects
• Must be able to lead a team on projects and make client
• Experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project)
• Extensive knowledge and experience within the local and regional market
• Strong team leadership, mentoring, motivational/organizational and people skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Must be willing to travel
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Primary Location

United States-Texas-Houston

Other Locations

United States-Arizona-Phoenix, United States-Pennsylvania-Philadelphia, United States-California-San Francisco, United States-Georgia-Atlanta, United States-North Carolina-Charlotte, United States-Massachusetts-Boston, United States-Nebraska-Omaha, United States-Colorado-Denver, United States-New Jersey-Pennington, United States-Virginia-Richmond, United States-Illinois-Chicago, United States-California-Los Angeles, United States-New York-New York, United States-Minnesota-Minneapolis, United States-North Carolina-Raleigh, United States-Washington-Seattle, United States-Utah-Salt Lake City, United States-Florida-Tampa, United States-Texas-Dallas, United States-California-San Diego, United States-Virginia-Arlington

Industry

Architecture

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass

Health Planning

Job Posting

Jan 23, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.